Anaesthesia is the medical practice of using anesthetic drugs to induce a deep sleep state in a patient undergoing surgery and other medical procedures, so that the patient is unaware of any pain or discomfort during the procedure The size and duration of the anaesthetic dose can be adjusted to ensure that the patient remains asleep for the whole duration of the surgery. This practice has evolved to become an indispensable part of modern medical care.
Anaesthesia is administered either intravenously or as a gas or vapour and can involve one or more of the drugs in the opioid, benzodiazepine, barbiturate, and anaesthetic gas families, which all have different effects and side-effects. The anesthesiologist will carefully titrate the anesthetic drugs to achieve the desired level of sedation, as well as monitor the patient for any adverse reactions or dangerous side-effects that can occur with the administration of anaesthetics.
Examples of Anaesthesia:
1. Epidural Anaesthesia: Epidural anaesthesia is the most common type of anaesthesia used for childbirth, delivering effective and safe anaesthesia to the mother during labour. The anaesthetist will inject a local anaesthetic in the lower back area between the spinal cord and the outer membrane (dura). This numbs the lower body and prevents pain during labour.
2. Spinal Anaesthesia: Spinal anaesthesia is a form of regional anaesthesia that numbs an area below the waist, such as the legs, abdomen, and lower back. It is usually used for surgeries in the pelvic area and can provide effective and lasting anaesthesia with minimal levels of medication. Spinal anaesthesia is typically done with a single injection into the lower part of the spine.
3. General Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia is used for major surgeries where the patient will be asleep throughout the entire procedure. It is usually composed of a combination of drugs, including an anaesthetic gas, an opioid, and a muscle relaxant. The drugs work together to induce a deep sleep while maintaining patient safety during the procedure.
4. Local Anaesthesia: Local anaesthesia is used to numb a small area of the body, typically for a short procedure or operation. It can be used for everything from minor surgeries to dental procedures, and does not require the patient to be unconscious. Local anaesthetics are typically injected or applied directly to the area in need of numbing.
5. Intravenous Anaesthesia: Intravenous anaesthesia is a type of anaesthesia that involves administering anesthetic drugs directly into the bloodstream via a small tube inserted into a vein. It is a quick and effective way to induce a deep sleep state, and the effects can be modified depending on the amount and type of drugs used. It is typically used for major surgeries and can provide more reliable anaesthesia than other types of anaesthesia.